From Nowhere to Nothing
Episodes
Frontiers
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the physical and metaphorical definitions of Frontiers.
Moral Purview
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we investigate categories of Moral Purview within the context of current events and diverse perspectives.
Malthusian Crises
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Malthusian Crises, taking a broader, conceptual view of the context and counterpoints related to resource scarcity and ove...
Paradoxes Part 2
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at several Paradoxes and discuss them in light of previous categorical descriptions.
Paradoxes Part 1
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we lay some foundational groundwork for understanding Paradoxes.
AI Ethics
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss a base of philosophy regarding agency before delving into current events and issues surrounding ethical use of AI.
Antifragility
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the positive and negative aspects of Antifragility from systemic and individual perspectives.Â
Contemporary Philosophers of Color
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the works of Michele Moody-Adams, Adrian Piper, Lewis Gordon, and Liam Kofi Bright, integrating themes for deeper reflecti...
Incommensurability
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Kuhn's notion of Incommensurability: the lack of neutral standards in comparing paradigms.
Hygge
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the Danish notion of Hygge, exploring its limits and our own.
Progress vs Evolution
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine an article written by Adam Neiblum in Philosophy Now regarding the conflation of Progress and Evolution.
Friendship
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dissect the moral, transactional, and social elements of what constitutes Friendship.
Passion
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss multiple dimensions of Passion: conceptual clarity, internal vs external influences, temporal stability, and much more. ...
The Paranormal
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we attempt to take a look at the Paranormal from a balanced viewpoint, with neither dismissal nor abandoning critical reflection.
Giving
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at the nuanced interactional effects of internalized states and contextually contingent external Giving behaviors when examin...
Somebody Should Do Something
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the individual capacity for social change with authors Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, as discussed in their book,...
Horror
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the nature of Horror, including both its existence in real life, and as a media aesthetic. Â
Modal Realism
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle the unintuitive and nuanced idea of Modal Realism and possible worlds. Stay tuned for bonus content at the end of the episo...
Attention
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Attention, its relationship to consciousness, and our interpretation of reality.
James Geary: Aphorisms
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, author James Geary dives into the philosophy of aphorisms with us in preparation for his new book, The World in a Phrase.
Dr. Wind Goodfriend: Cults
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, special guest Dr. Wind Goodfriend helps us discuss the philosophy and psychology of Cults.
Fear!
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we contrast the ideas of Fear and anxiety, looking at philosophical as well as physiological and psychological facets in determining ...
Society
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we parse apart Society, including pithy discussions of culture, language versus communication, and the role of individuals.
John Searle
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the life and work of John Searle, visiting his philosophies of mind, language, and society from a critical context.
Brute Facts
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Brute Facts: concepts that defy explanation in causal terms.Â
Bruce Schneier: Rewiring Democracy
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sander's upcoming book, Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government,...
Antinomy
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we ask some difficult questions about Antinomy: when a concept has multiple logical explanatory theories that are contradictory.Â
Substantivalism
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we present the cases for Substantivalism and Relationalism as we discuss space and time.
Ableism
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we wrestle with the discriminatory notion of Ableism.
Friluftsliv
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the phenomenological, ontological, and ethical aspects of the Norwegian concept Friluftsliv.
Tarab
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the idea of Tarab from the Arabic world: an enchantment with music and its ability to provide deep meaning.
Yugen
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the Japanese notion of Yugen, drawing on metaphorical and personal examples to demonstrate the concept.Â
Ubuntu
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore Ubuntu: a concept from southern Africa regarding the relationality and communal nature of humanity.
A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentric Ontology
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the duo switches seats, as Norm interviews Joel about his newly released book, "A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentr...
Ontological Closure
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve headlong into the end of being, interweaving established philosophical positions with anecdotal experiences.Â
Alasdair MacIntyre
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the nuance of Alasdair MacIntyre's philosophical musings, particularly on virtue ethics.
Space Exploration
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the history, impetus, and consequences of Space Exploration.Â
Pets!
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss our reasoning for, and relationship with, our lovable Pets. Â
Identity
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted notions of Identity.
Hypnocracy
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the philosophical performance experiment of Andrea Colamedici's AI-written book, "Hypnocracy."
Surprise Round #5
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Finely Wrought Object Joel's: Zeno's Dichotomy/Arrow
Surprise Round #4
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: Hedonine and Pononine Joel's: The Two-Space Myth
Surprise Round #3
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Language Game Joel's: The Split Brain
Surprise Round #2
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: Eternal Recurrence Joel's: The Inquiring Murderer
Surprise Round #1
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Experience Machine Joel's: The Problem of the Speckled He...
Thought Experiments
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we lay the groundwork for a series of shows focusing on philosophical Thought Experiments by examining a couple of familiar examples ...
Compliance
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss some technical and definitional aspects of Compliance, including concepts of authority, power, obedience, and perspective....
Dr. Michael Passmore
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michael Passmore about consciousness, biological bases of behavior, and reality.
Schwarzschild Cosmology
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we try to wrap our minds around recent scientific and ancient philosophical questions regarding the nature of reality and infinity th...
Wetware
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the interfacing of biological and traditional computing systems.
Entitativity
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at the definition, perception, influence, and malleable characteristics of groups holisitically.
Poetry
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we wrestle with form, content, expression, truth, and the abstract nature of Poetry.
Hatred
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the biopsychosocial facets of Hatred, contextualized by historical philosophical thoughts and personal reflections.
Metaphors
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we "dive in" to the concept of Metaphors and how they interact with our language, cognitions, and reality.
Return Environments
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at the numerous antecedents, facets, and consequences of immediate and delayed return environments on individuals and society...
Medical Assistance in Dying
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we take a hard look at the difficult considerations involved in physiological and psychological suffering, autonomy, and ethics in ch...
Longtermism
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we wrestle with the theoretical and practical considerations of thinking about future generations.
Mirror-Souls
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine Mirror-Souls: the concept that a perfect counterpart for us exists in the world.
Human Potential
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine the multifaceted and paradoxical implications of defining Human Potential.
Brian Hite
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Brian Hite discusses his background as a stuntman and academic, providing a philosophical discussion about the psychological infl...
Mike Oppenheim
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview Mike Oppenheim, an author, filmmaker, musician, and much more, as well as the host of the podcast "Coffin Talk."
Self-Regard
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine a constellation of abstractions related to the healthy and unhealthy, individual and sociocultural facets of Self-Regard. ...
Anniversaries
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine the meaning we give to events and their temporal markers from objective and subjective viewpoints.
Brain Organoids
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we go through the process of examining the many extant and potential benefits, pitfalls, and psychological as well as ethical conundr...
Organic Robotics*
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at biobots, anthrobots, xenobots, and many of their accompanying philosophical issues.
AI Sentience
23 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the concept of AI Sentience by looking at various models, their limitations, and how a coherent synthesis might emerge. ...
Personal Eschatology
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine death and conceptions of the afterlife in light of scientific, philosophical, and religious frameworks.
Metaphysical Eschatology
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we take a big-picture approach to discussing the study of "last things."
Groups
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle the idea of what constitutes, coheres, and paradoxically defines a Group.
International Podcast Day Update!
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An appreciative update for the audience :)
Choice
07 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we attempt to parse apart the calculus of individual and group Choice dynamics.
Addiction
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dissect the complex notion of Addiction and highlight the convoluted issues associated with identifying specific contributions of ...
Generosity
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we use in-depth thought experiments to discuss the conceptual history and contextual complexity of Generosity.Â
Charity
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we weave together various philosophical views of Charity with previous discussions we've had regarding human nature and social activi...
Prioritarianism
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we hash out the thorny issues associated with applying aggregate policy to solve sociopolitical problems through the lens of Priorita...
Absurdism
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we contrast Absurdism with other philosophical paradigms and integrate diverse concepts from previous shows to create a cohesive view...
Entertainment Consumption
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we build upon the previous episode's overview and examine more nuanced aspects of Entertainment's effects on consumers and society.
Entertainment
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chip away at the definitional groundwork of the psychophysiological, moral/ethical, and purposive elements of the abstraction Ente...
Personhood
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we scrutinize the concept of Personhood and the criteria used to define and ascribe such status.
Mereology
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we walk through the complexity of both abstract and grounded part-whole relationships.
Causality
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we weave connections between metaphysical and down-to-earth topics related to how we comprehend Causality.
Postmodernism
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we critically examine the philosophical paradigm of Postmodernism.
Jordan Miller
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Jordan Miller about Blockchain, AI, and his Satori project.
Tribalism
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the messy, misapplied, and contradictive nature of Tribalism.
Daniel Dennett
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we reflect on Daniel Dennett: his life, outlook, and philosophical ideations.Â
Commitment
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delineate Commitment as a concept and explore ontological and ethical paradigmatic viewpoints and interactions.
Work.
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the life-encompassing yet nuanced concept of Work.Â
Shadow
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Shadow from the view of physics, mythology, psychology, and cultural tradition.
Locality
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Substantivalism and Relationalism, as well as human ontological aspects of defining locations. Â
The Case Against Reality
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine the intriguing ideas of Donald Hoffman from his book, "The Case Against Reality," and talk about how fitness and interface...
Death Makes Life Possible
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine a few brief scenes from the titular documentary and discuss metaphysical, epistemological, and ontological aspects of cons...
Fisher's Narrative Paradigm
02 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how humans communicate and the relationship between rationality and storytelling.Â
American Transcendentalism
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the roots and concepts of America's original contribution to philosophy.
The Future
17 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we wrap up our exploration of time by examining the most inaccessible aspect of it all: The Future.
The Present Moment
10 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the ontological impact of The Present, followed by an abstract discussion of the metaphysical aspects.
The Past
03 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine The Past from the metaphysical and ontological level with forays into the historical and scientific.Â
Competition
27 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the idea of Competition and debate with the modern paradigmatic conception.
Rovelli's White Holes
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Carlo Rovelli's book, White Holes, as well as the abstract and humanistic elements that go along with it.
Black Holes
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we allow our minds to be spaghettified by the concept of gravity being so strong nothing can escape it.
Hope.
06 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we distinguish Hope from related concepts, confront positive bias, and think about the topic's meta-narrative.